Revive or Bury?

[Esther]

My desktop crashed this week. Took it to Bestbuy and paid them $75.00 to tell me the motherboard died and they can't fix it.

Called Dell and they can sell me a refurbished motherboard for just a little under $200.00.

My desktop was bought in 2004 and I like the programs on it.

Bestbuy told me they could get the information off of it, but my husband said that doesn't mean the programs.

I have no clue how long a refurbished motherboard would last. They only give a 90 day warranty.

I have my books on this computer, pictures, family tree information, etc.

I'm leaning towards replacement, but I'm afraid that it may be a short term fix.

What do you recommend?